Senate sends budget to Walker for signature, but effects already being felt

The state Senate on Thursday night passed the $66 billion plan, which uses a combination of budget cuts and corporate tax breaks in an attempt to close an estimated $3 billion budget hole while trying to spur the economy and promote business growth. The measure passed at about 10 p.m. on Thursday on a 19-14 party line vote, and Walker said he will sign it before June 30. The budget takes some $500 million from Medicaid programs, and places an enrollment cap on Family Care, a program aimed at keeping poor, elderly people out of nursing homes. It also eliminates a significant amount of state and federal funding from nine Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin health centers. (WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL, 6/17)